If you've searched "how to get rid of gophers," you've probably found dozens of suggestions ranging from practical to absurd. Here's an honest assessment of every major method — what works, what doesn't, and what's worth your money.
Professional gopher trapping has the highest success rate of any control method — over 85%. Commercial traps placed in the main runway (12-18 inches deep) by an experienced trapper catch gophers consistently. The process requires multiple visits over 2-4 weeks but reliably eliminates the entire population.
Cost: $325+ for initial clean-out, $65-175/month for ongoing service. Full pricing guide →
Carbon monoxide injected into the tunnel system reaches every chamber at every depth. Most effective for large infestations or properties with extensive tunnel systems. Often combined with trapping for maximum effectiveness.
Cost: Typically included in professional service pricing.
Hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh) installed 24 inches deep around garden beds or individual plants provides physical protection. Won't eliminate gophers but prevents them from accessing protected areas.
Cost: $2-5 per linear foot for materials plus labor.
Can work if you locate the main tunnel correctly and use proper traps (Macabee or Victor Black Box). Success rate for experienced DIYers is 40-50%, dropping to under 20% for first-timers. DIY trapping guide →
Strychnine and zinc phosphide baits can kill gophers but carry serious risks: secondary poisoning of pets, cats, hawks, and owls; bait pushed to surface by gophers; ineffectiveness against bait-shy populations. Not recommended for residential properties with pets.
No scientific evidence supports ultrasonic or vibration repellents. Multiple university studies have found zero effectiveness. Gophers routinely tunnel within inches of these devices.
Water drains through soil too quickly, especially in sandy or loam soils. Gophers retreat to deep chambers (4-6 feet) and wait. May also damage your lawn and waste significant water.
These home remedies have no scientific basis and don't work. Save your time and money.
Call a professional gopher exterminator when: you see 3+ new mounds per week, DIY attempts have failed, your property borders open space (ongoing migration risk), or you have pets that could be harmed by poison bait. Gopher Guys serves all of Southern California with chemical-free, pet-safe service.
Professional trapping has the highest success rate (85%+). Traps are placed in the main tunnel 12-18 inches underground by an experienced technician who returns every 5-7 days until all activity stops.
No. Vibration stakes, ultrasonic devices, moth balls, chewing gum, and castor oil have been proven ineffective in multiple university studies. Professional trapping or carbon monoxide are the only reliable methods.
Professional service starts at $325 for initial clean-out. Monthly maintenance from $65/month, quarterly from $175. DIY traps cost $8-15 each but have much lower success rates.
Gopher Guys provides chemical-free gopher removal across Southern California. Pet-safe trapping, 60-day guarantee, starting at $325. Visit Rodent Guys or call (909) 599-4711.
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